A few years ago, when I did some frequent work-related traveling between Springs’ Customer Service Center and their New York office, several of those “real city boys” used to chide me about one of my neighborly tendencies.

For some strange, inexplicable reason, they perceived my inclination of nodding and speaking to people on the street as a “bad habit.”

Folks in midtown New York City, they said, never make eye contact with total strangers.

Nature lovers can become certified S.C. Master Naturalists and join a regional corps of citizen scientists by attending a weekly environmental training course beginning in March at the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill.

The Catawba Master Naturalist Program teaches participants how to explore the world around them, identify plants and animals, and better understand ecological concepts they can apply through volunteering in their communities.

With the holidays and the fun family times along with delicious dinners and deserts that we are destined to eat, I’m going to give you a few extra treats on how to keep your abs and waist line in tip top shape and still enjoy eating your favorite foods.

Eighty-four-year-old James Hagins is a retired Lancaster resident. He spends his days taking it easy, napping in his recliner when he feels like it. When he lost his wife of 60 years, Peggy, in September of 2012, he found an unusual outlet for his grief – quilting.

“My mother quilted, and with eight of us children, she definitely had help when she needed it,” he said. “I didn’t mind helping her, and sometimes I was the only one she would let help, because I did things the way that suited her.”

Decking the halls for the holidays is a beloved tradition for many families. A home’s exterior festooned with lights help create a festive holiday mood, while stockings hung by the chimney and a Christmas tree in the living room bring that holiday cheer inside.

Though the holiday season is a festive time of year, it can quickly turn tragic if safety is not emphasized when decorating a home. When decorating this holiday season, be sure to employ the following precautions so your holiday season is festive, decorative and safe:

North Corner AME Zion Church has been a cornerstone in Lancaster County for 148 years.

The congregation celebrated its anniversary Sunday, Nov. 3, with a special service including a guest choir and proclamations from the city and county. It’s the first time the church has recognized the event.

When former slaves organized the church in 1865, its first services were held in an old shop near Waxhaw Presbyterian Church.